In a bid to seek spiritual blessings ahead of his 30th birthday, Anant Ambani, the Non-Executive Director of Reliance Industries, embarked on a padyatra from Jamnagar to Dwarka to seek blessings from Lord Krishna. However, a mid-journey encounter with a truckload of chickens has sparked a wave of online discussions, with many questioning the sincerity of his actions.
The Chicken Rescue Incident
On his way to Dwarka, Anant Ambani stopped a van carrying chickens to be slaughtered near Khambhalia town in the Devbhumi Dwarka district. In a video that soon went viral, Ambani can be seen instructing his team to pay the truck owner and rescue all the birds. It’s reported that he paid double the price for the chickens, who were then sent to Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center founded by him.
While many applauded Ambani’s compassionate act, the gesture has also been met with skepticism. Critics have pointed out a perceived contradiction in his actions, especially since his center, Vantara, houses carnivorous animals that require a regular supply of meat. One social media user remarked, “Anant Ambani is the son of one of the richest people in the world, but his PR team is pathetic. Saving chickens doesn’t look genuine when he owns a private zoo where non-veg is served.”
The PR Stunt Debate
Some netizens questioned the motivations behind the rescue, suggesting it could be a PR stunt designed to boost his public image. A user sarcastically posted, “Will the ‘rescued’ caged hens be used to feed carnivorous animals at Vantara?” Others criticized his choice of attire, noting that he wore a leather jacket during his Sangeet ceremony, which seemed at odds with his compassion towards the chickens.
The controversy also extended to a video from his wedding, where Anant was seen dancing on a horse, leading some to question the treatment of animals in his personal and professional life. “Look at the face of the horse—it’s cruel. Anant Ambani saved chickens for social media PR, but he’s violating rules for sure,” one user wrote.
Anant Ambani’s Personal Journey
Amid the online debates, Anant’s padyatra continues as he walks over 140 km to the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, defying personal health challenges. Having suffered from severe lung disease, thyroid issues, and Cushing’s syndrome since childhood, Anant remains determined to complete his spiritual journey. He has walked nearly 60 km so far and aims to finish the rest in the next four days, aligning the journey with the Ram Navami festival.
While his compassionate actions and spiritual journey have garnered attention, the online debate about the motives behind his chicken rescue will likely continue as the journey unfolds.